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Premier League strugglers Southampton face a tough task on Sunday as they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal. 

A win would see the Saints escape the relegation zone, and given they beat the Gunners at St Mary’s Stadium earlier in the campaign Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will know that they have what it takes to get a result.

However, the threat that Unai Emery’s side pose cannot be underestimated.

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On the chalkboard 

The north London club have plenty of star quality to call upon in the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey. However, Alex Iwobi is another danger man who Hasenhuttl can’t afford to forget about.

The 22-year-old winger has been a regular starter this season, forming a key part of Emery’s plans for his team. The 21-cap Nigeria international may not have the individual talent of some of Arsenal’s other aforementioned stars, but he serves a vital function in the Gunner’s team.

Emery generally takes a fairly conservative tactical approach, preferring not to overload his side with attacking players. As such, a small forward contingent generally sits ahead of a bulkier defensive unit. Iwobi is often tasked with linking these two separate elements of the Arsenal team. The academy product’s power, dribbling ability, pace and ability to drive forward with the ball make him well-suited to this role.

The man to target

By targeting Iwobi, Southampton can aim to limit his ability to influence the match. As a result of this, Arsenal’s attacking aces could struggle to get into the game themselves.

Hasenhuttl must charge Mario Lemina, or someone else with the diligence and mobility to consistently track Iwobi, with upsetting the Arsenal man’s rhythm throughout the game. Failure to make Iwobi toil could see the likes of Lacazette and Aubameyang thrive.